2012年4月3日 星期二

NYC baseball rankings

Forget about the soggy weather -- spring is finally upon us. The PSAL got going last week and the CHSAA and private leagues star up Monday. As such, there are very few changes in our NYC basetball rankings, but don't expect that to be the case often.

This spring promises to be wild. This week's top 10 is below:

1. George Washington (0-0) (Last week: 1)

The Trojans’ 0-3 performance in the National High School Invitational in Cary, N.C., was disappointing, but it can only help George Washington moving forward. For one, it faced elite talent. Another, it will only serve as motivation as the Trojans open up PSAL play Monday against Brandeis and host their holiday tournament next week.

Junior Phil Maldari started the Poly Prep season off in style by tossing six shutout innings of two-hit ball in a 1-0 shutout of CHSAA foe Monsignor Farrell on Thursday. Fellow junior Andrew Zapata takes his turn Wednesday as the Blue Devils will open their Ivy Prep League season in The Bronx against Riverdale.

Next: @ Riverdale (Apr. 4, 4 p.m.)

3. Xaverian (0-0) (4)

Lou Piccola thinks his team this year will be all about pitching. And with guys like Blaise Scerbo, Frank Kaplan, John Pena and company it’s hard to blame him – the Clippers will have one of the best staffs and best defenses in the city as they try to win back-to-back CHSAA Class AA intersectional titles.

Next: Bishop Ford (April 3, 4 p.m.)

4. Tottenville (2-0) (5)

How deep is the Pirates’ pitching staff? They allowed two runs in league wins over Petrides and Port Richmond and didn’t even need to use co-aces Mike Sullivan or Rider-bound Vin Aiello. If the lineup, led by FDU-bound catcher John Giakas and Iona recruit Joe Sessa, can produce consistently Tottenville will continue its Staten Island dominance.

Next: @ New Dorp (Apr. 2, 4 p.m.)

5. Grand Street Campus (1-1) (3)

One loss is just that – one – but it was shocking nevertheless to see loaded Grand Street blow a four-run, sixth-inning lead to Midwood last week. We wouldn’t want to be Brooklyn Tech on Monday – the Wolves will be highly motivated to rebound.

Next: Brooklyn Tech (Apr. 2, 4:30 p.m.)

6. All Hallows (0-0) (6)

On Sunday, star shortstop Stephen Alemais, one of the top prospects in New York City, committed to Tulane. The junior, who also closes on the mound for All Hallows, chose the New Orleans school over powerhouses like Miami, North Carolina, Vanderbilt and Oregon.

Next: Cardinal Hayes (April 2, 3:45 p.m. @ Yankee Stadium Park)

7. Fordham Prep (0-0) (7)

It’ll be another two weeks before Fordham Prep begins its league season in earnest after an Easter trip to Myrtle Beach for the Cal Ripken Experience tournament. With three Division I position players and Sean McNamara and Jack Becker on the mound, the Rams are a certifiable CHSAA contender.

Next: @ No. 3 Iona Prep (April 17, 4 p.m.)

8. Cardozo (0-0) (8)

The Judges get their season going Tuesday with a home-and-home series with John Bowne after Saturday’s doubleheader against Aviation was washed out. Led by talented junior aces Adrian Castano and Connor Doyle and an experienced lineup, Cardozo has its best team in years.

Next: John Bowne (Apr. 3, 4 p.m.)

9. Archbishop Molloy (0-0) (9)

Is this the year Archbishop Molloy returns as a CHSAA Class AA intersectional title contender? The Stanners were close last year, making the eight-team championship tournament, and they return Evansville-bound star third baseman/pitcher Jonathan Ramon and a very deep pitching staff.

Next: Monsignor McClancy (April 2, 4 p.m.)

10. William Bryant (2-0) (10)

Nick Alvarez may never have a game quite like the one he had last week: The senior notched three hits, scored four runs, drove in nine and fanned 10 over six innings of work as Bryant blasted Lane, 18-4, in its league opener.